Should he tell them?

[Ossie From Preston]

Mate of mine on long term sickness due to recent family & work problems he doesn't look like been back at work till at least August but he told me he has a break booked for the isle of man which he booked nearly a year ago. RM knows he is off with depression and Drs has signed notes to say he is suffering from depression due to family & work, should he go on this break and not tell RM or can it be classed as a break to help him recover? he doesnt want to get himself in trouble, any advice on this please..

[bogstandard]

tell them he will not be available to see but will be over the phone(should that be possible) as he will be in the IoM.
But take the break, definitely. To not take it could only make things worse, whereas taking it could help.

[rehabron]

Mate of mine on long term sickness due to recent family & work problems he doesn't look like been back at work till at least August but he told me he has a break booked for the isle of man which he booked nearly a year ago. RM knows he is off with depression and Drs has signed notes to say he is suffering from depression due to family & work, should he go on this break and not tell RM or can it be classed as a break to help him recover? he doesnt want to get himself in trouble, any advice on this please..

Your mate would be well aware in length of time he has currently been off regarding maintaining contact while absent from work so on his present contacting arrangements either by phone, e-mail or face to face meetings will need to inform them of his holiday break as he is not contactable at his home address. Would advise notification of this break is advised to management by a method that you would hold written evidence of managements agreeing to his holiday break.
Due to the nature of his illness then taking a holiday break would be beneficial to his recovery and recuperation and you may also find that he may get support from OH Assist on this matter.
There is the possibility that your manager may wish that this holiday break become part of his annual leave entitlement then your mate would have to argue with assistance from union rep that this could assist in an earlier return to work.

[meercat]

Easy solution, go see doctor and advise him a break would benefit him (as it would) and get the doc to write it down. If you sit around the house depression gets worse so a break away is beneficial.